…..Gombe establishes GBV treatment centre at Specialist Hospital
The Gombe State Commissioner for Health; Dr Habu Dahiru, on Monday disclosed that no fewer than 388 females and 144 men were affected by Gender-Based Violences from 2021- 2024.
Dahiru made this disclosure at Pantami Township Stadium in his address during commencement of 2024 16 days of activism.
Our correspondent reports that 25th November marks the begining of 16 days with the the International Day for the elimination of bike against women and will end on December 10, Human Rights Day.
With the theme Unite! To end violence against women and girls.
The commissioner while decrying the alarming rate of violences noted that the state through enactments of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Acts, Child Protection law is determined to curb the menace.
Dahiru said, “In Gombe State the issue is quite significant from 2021 to 2024 we have registered a large number of people affected by the gender-based violence and the record is as follows; we have a total of 388 females that have become victims and survivors. We also have gender-based violence among men. I like to also emphasise here that though GBV is more more among women but men are not spared there are about 144 men subjected to GBV.”
He noted that the Gombe State Ministry of Health as a way of supporting victims established treatment unit at the specialist hospital to mitigate health challenges caused by violence.
“The ministry of health has been working closely with the ministry of women affairs and other development partners to ensure that we address issues of gender-based violence.
“The ministry of health has taken very proactive measures to ensure medical services are provided to victims of GBV and they also provide medical report required should it go into the court not only drugs are supplied to victims to ensure they overcome the trauma.
“We have established a GBV centre at the specialist hospital Gombe, where those affected by gender-based violence are attended to at the state specialist hospital. I therefore call on the victims not to be shy to report cases as they will get prompt attention in our facilities across the state,” he added.
On her part, Wife of Gombe State Governor, Asma’u Yahaya, called for the required collaborations towards ending violences against women and girls.
“From recent statistics 35 per cent of women have experienced physical violence in their lifetime. Additionally, 59.3 per cent of women in Gombe State have experienced physical violence since their 15 years of age. The need to eradicate violence has been recognised 2030 agenda for sustainable development,” Yahaya added.
Also, Gombe State Chief Judge Sadiyya Mohammed, called for attention for children including boys, saying “Boys are also being molested too and the rate is becoming alarming.”
Mohammed assured of needed support from judiciary in tackling GBV cases, “In Gombe State the judiciary is committed in ensuring justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable by providing enabling environment where victims can seek redress without fear of victimisation. It’s not the job of the judiciary alone but collaboration from Civil Society Organisations, others,” she added.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Asma’u Iganus, urged wives of Local Government chairmen to give the needed support.
“Also, another key issue is that of appealing to all our Local Government Council Chairmen to synergise with their wives in ensuring that they inaugurate the Child Protection Committee at various local government and Ward levels.
“The same also go to all female political appointees and female stakeholders, so as to work in tandem with their respective communities as part of their humanitarian contribution.
“I am equally extending my passionate appeal to all our Religious and Traditional Rulers, including our partners and donor agencies, Community-Based Organisations, Civil Society Organisations, members of the press, the judiciary and all the security agencies to liaise in declaring a state of emergency to collectively fight against violence on women, girls and persons with special needs,” she added.
